Shirley Ruth (Woods) Macfarlane of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully at the Assiniboia Union Hospital palliative care unit on March 27th, 2025, at the age of 87. Shirley was born to Ernest and Velma (Snider) Woods, on July 28th, 1937, on the family farm at Pathlow, Saskatchewan.
Shirley was the second youngest of eight children. She grew up on a large farm with her siblings. She often recalled gardening with her parents and siblings and her buggy rides into school. Shirley graduated early from high school and completed registered nursing training in Prince Albert and Regina.
Shirley’s professional journey began with her work in the northern community of La Ronge. She was married briefly and it was during this time that daughter Maria Lynn was born. Shirley had so many stories of her time in the north from picking blueberries to delivering six babies in one night with the help of only one nurse’s aid. Afterward, Shirley moved to Moose Jaw where her sister Daisy and brother-in-law Bill found her an apartment and a job at Grey Nuns’ Hospital. Daisy and Bill were also responsible for introducing her to a handsome farmer and pilot named Don Macfarlane.
On March 15th, 1969, she married Don, the love of her life and a few years later a second daughter Clara Patricia Ann (Trish) completed the family. They settled together on Don’s family farm, about 30 miles east of Assiniboia, and built a new house for their growing family. The farmyard was filled with lush trees, vibrant flowers, a sprawling garden, a landing strip for Don’s airplanes and a barn for the horses. After retiring, Don and Shirley relocated to a condominium in Assiniboia. Following Don's passing in 2016, Shirley remained in the home until her final days, filling both the front and back decks with an array of potted plants and vegetables.
Shirley had a passion for curling, both playing and watching the sport for many years. She also had a deep love for gardening, known for her large gardens and abundant harvests. She prepared many canned goods, jams, syrups, and juices from her garden’s vegetables, berries, and apples. Her skills as a cook and baker were unmatched, and she often greeted visitors with tarts, pies, or her latest culinary creation. Her yard and deck were always filled with vibrant flowers, and she enjoyed many years of horseback riding with family and friends—competing in horse shows and participating in trail rides.
Over the years, Shirley had a variety of beloved pets, including her Arabian horse, Telani, many dogs, and farm cats. She cherished the outdoors, especially camping, and embraced the beauty of nature.
Shirley’s warmth, generosity, and sense of fun left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She loved and cherished her family and friends deeply, spreading joy and laughter wherever she went.
Shirley is predeceased by her father Ernest Woods and mother Velma (Snider) Woods; her loving husband, Donald Macfarlane; her siblings Barb Midwood, George Woods, Ellen Schmidt, and Mabel Hern; and brothers-in-law Jim Midwood, Marcel Froc, Lyle Prete, Norman Prete, Ken Hern, Lester Schmidt, Frank Lorinczy and sister-in-law Lorraine Woods. She is also predeceased by her father-in-law Colin Macfarlane, mother-in-law Clara (Cruikshank) Macfarlane, step father-in-law Russ Howson, sister-in-law Leone Wallin and brother-in-law Bill Wallin.
She is lovingly remembered by her sisters Clara Prete, Trudy Prete, and Daisy Zinn and brother-in-law Bill Zinn; sister-in-law Dororthy Woods; daughters Maria (Tim) Coldwell and Trish (Bob) Livingstone; grandchildren Jennifer (Drew) Lewis, Sydney (Cole) Wallin, Kyle (Mylène Swayze), Olivia and Ty and great-granddaughter Madison Lewis; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service to Celebrate Shirley’s life will be held Tuesday, April 8th at 2pm at St. Paul’s United Church in Assiniboia. Wendy Gibson DLMr will officiate. The eulogy will be given by her granddaughters, Jennifer, Sydney, and Olivia. Urn bearers will be grandsons, Kyle and Ty. A private family interment at Sunset Cemetery will be held at a later date. Donations in remembrance of Shirley may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or the Assiniboia Union Hospital Auxiliary. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. An online book of condolences may be signed at .
